"Yosemite Park" a Yosemite National Park Travel Page by where2next

I have been fortunate to visit many of the U.S. National Parks, and in my opinion that Yosemite is one of the top three parks (Grand Canyon and Yellowstone).

Aside from the view, a remarkable thing is that it shows one part of the trail that one hikes in order to climb Half Dome. The hike starts just below Vernal Falls (the lower falls on the right), and then continues for another mile or so to Nevada Falls (upper falls). One actually hikes along these falls and they offer some great views.

Next the trail winds for a couple miles until one is at the base of Half Dome (on the other side of the rock). There are metal cables / ropes that are fastened into the rock which one uses to walk up the incline. The top of Half Dome is actually pretty large and offers some breathtaking views of the valley. (I have written more details in a travel log).

Half Dome is a long hike (17 miles roundtrip). The lower falls is on the other hand very accessible - maybe a 15-20 minute walk from the main road. From the trail one can then make there way through the rocks to get close to the falls. Some kids were actually behind me as there was a small pool of water beneath the falls.

Many of the hikes in the park originate out of Yosemite Valley. There is more to the park, though, for example one road leads from the west side through the mountains and exists on the east side near Nevada. This drive offers many scenic views.